9th Grade English I/English I Honors



9th Grade English I Course Syllabus 2013-20144686300-56388000Mrs. Gillian Browngbrown@Room D205Somerset Academy Mission StatementSomerset Academy Central Miramar Schools promote a culture that maximizes student achievement and fosters the development of responsible, respectful, self-directed life-long learners in a safe and enriching environment.Course DescriptionThis class is structured around the curriculum of Somerset Academy Central Miramar, Common Core Standards which mirrors the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, and SpringBoard, the College Board’s Pre-AP program. This class is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for success in college and career. It will prepare a student to successfully communicate through formal writing and presentation utilizing effective grammar and vocabulary skills. During the school year, the course will cover reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. As ninth grade marks many important transitions in a student’s life, the theme for this year is “Coming of Age.” Students will learn what it means to “come of age” and also understand how their experiences and the things they are exposed to shape who they are. Throughout the school year, many our readings, activities, and writings will help the student explore this theme.Course ObjectivesWith hard work and determination, by the end of the year students will be able to:Effectively recognize and communicate literary elementsDistinguish between formal and informal writing and speakingRead and write within the guidelines of the Common Core State Standards, as well as the SpringBoard standardsIncrease FCAT scores Expand vocabularyIllustrate the ability to deconstruct sentences grammaticallyCourse of StudyStudents will be assigned a SpringBoard Level 4 textbook that will be kept in the classroom. Students will be reading and reflecting on literature selections from our SpringBoard textbook, as well as additional novels, complimenting the themes studied in the 9th grade English I course. Students are required to purchase novels listed below as well as others for classroom and independent reading that will be covered throughout the year. Please note that books can be also obtained from the public library. If you do not have a library card, now is that time to get one as you will also be required to do independent reading.No Fear Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (required summer reading)Required Supply List The following items will be used throughout the school year in school and at home by each student:1” 3-Ring Binder with inside pockets and 5 dividers with tabs2 Composition Notebooks or 2 Subject Spiral Notebook (for journal writing)Lined paper (college ruled)A box of blue/black/red pens (no other colors allowed- red pens will only be used for corrections) A?box of #2 pencils1 pack of?highlighters (different colors, smear free recommended)1 Flash DriveHeadphones (should be in book bag at all times) 3x5 Lined Index CardsWhiteout Correction Tape1 Ream of Copy Paper (needed for home and for classroom donation)Sheet Protectors Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus (or comparable dictionary and thesaurus)Personal Email Address (should be reflect a “professional “name)CLASSROOM WISH LISTThe following items will be used throughout the school year to maintain a productive, healthy classroom environment. Please bring items with receipt(s) if you wish to receive volunteer hours. Printer paper (white as well as all other colors accepted)Dry Erase markers and cleaner (for white board)Pens and PencilsHand SanitizerTissues/Paper TowelsClorox Cleaning WipesLysolCollege Ruled PaperEasel/Chart PaperMarkers, Color Pencils, CrayonsGlue SticksScissorsIndex Cards (lined, plain, colored, white)File FoldersInvisible TapeBooks (Grade level novels)Construction PaperComputer and Internet AccessI will utilize many forms of technology and will require students to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word (or comparable word processing program) and PowerPoint. Writing assignments will need to be typed; therefore, students must have access to a computer, the Internet for research, and to a printer outside the classroom. Students will also be required to complete FOCUS and ReadingPlus modules throughout the school year which require Internet access.GradesYou will be responsible for keeping track of your grade. Grades will stem from home learning assignments (worksheets and online), class assignments, tests, projects, quizzes, notebook checks, participation, and group work. Home learning assignments will be given each day, with the exception of Friday unless related to a project or studying for a future assessment. Home learning assignments will be due the next class period unless otherwise specified. All homework assignments will be posted on the school website under my webpage. I strongly recommend that you set up the website to send you the daily homework assignments. (This will be demonstrated in class.)Parents and students are encouraged to keep track of their progress in this class via Pinnacle online. Please note that a “Z” on Pinnacle indicates that the assignment is missing. A “Z” is weighted the same as a zero. “X” means an assignment is excused and does not need to be completed by the student.Grading Policy:Tests/Quizzes 30%Classwork35%Home Learning/Participation15%Projects20%Classroom Rules and ExpectationsI expect all students to come to class on time (seated when the tardy bell rings) and to be prepared to learn with a good attitude throughout the class period. Bellwork completion should be in progress when the bell rings. Additionally, I expect all students to practice organization, self-control, self-motivation, and determination and be able to apply the following principles in and outside of the classroom.Treat all teachers, members of administration, security, visitors, and your peers with respect at all times.Be honest and fair.Obey all school rules. (You are required to read and sign the Student Code of Conduct.)Respect the school’s, teacher’s, and other students’ property at all times.Always be prepared for class which includes having paper, pen, binder, necessary book(s), and completed assignments.Turn off all electronic devices during school hours. (Items will be confiscated if seen/heard and will be turned in to the office for parent pick-up.)Raise your hand to ask questions and/or contribute to a discussion.Study for all tests and quizzes. Complete assignments on time as late work completion will be limited.Always put for your best effort as we are “Striving for Academic Excellence.”Infractions and Procedures If you choose to break a classroom or school rule, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Student Conduct Code.**Please note that every 3 Unexcused Tardies and/or Gum Chewing incident will result in a Wednesday detention. No exceptions.**Make-up Work Due to AbsencesStudents are expected to ask for make-up work from the days missed. Students are responsible for seeing the teacher to make arrangements to make up tests, quizzes, homework, and class work. The teacher will not remind students to ask for work; they must inform the teacher of the days missed and be responsible for getting their missing assignments. Makeup work must be returned within 24 hours of returning to school or 24 hours per every day absent. Homework assignments due on a day of absence are due at the beginning of the class period of return.Please note that if the required assignment is not turned in when the teacher requests, the assignment grade will be reduced 10 points. Assignments turned in 48 hours after it is due will be penalized 20 points. Assignments not turned in after this time will result in a “0”and can no longer be made up.Restroom/PassesEach student has the opportunity to use three (3) passes each quarter. Please save the breaks for emergencies. Health issues will be an exception. The 10-10 rule will be enforced along with teacher discretion. No student is allowed to use the restroom during the first 10 minutes of class and during the last 10 minutes of class. Students should try not to use the restroom during class discussion.Assignment RequirementsAll assignments completed this year must have the proper heading. All work must be submitted in dark blue or black ink only; no assignments will be written in pencil unless otherwise instructed.NEATNESS COUNTS! If an assignment is turned in sloppy and not clearly written, you will be required to re-do the assignment. (You always have the option to type all your assignments.)Required Paper Heading (Written in the upper right-hand corner of paper)Last Name, FirstDate: Period: Name of Assignment (classwork, homework, test/quiz)Heading** Please Note: Papers with no name will be discarded into the recycling bin on a daily basis. Students will have a “Z” in Pinnacle for the assignment. **All out of class writing assignments must be typed using the following format:Size 12pt Double Spaced, 1” MarginArial or Times New RomanPrinted in Black Ink on Clean White PaperResearch papers will be written using the MLA format. [Hint: Citation Maker located under “Tools” link on the left at (Recipe 4 Success) is a great resource for this.] A Few Words About MisrepresentationPlagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated or accepted in any way shape or form.Plagiarism, dishonesty, and misrepresentation are not acceptable. Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. It is also not using proper documentation or citation when using another person’s writing such as, when doing an essay. Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment. Repeated plagiarism will be referred to administration.Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment as well as a detention and an unsatisfactory conduct grade for the semester.9th Grade English I Course Syllabus 2013-20144686300-56388000Mrs. Gillian BrownStudent/Parent Acknowledgment FormThis form must be returned and you will receive a homework grade for returning this form signed. This form must be completed, signed by both the student and the parent/guardian, and returned no later than Monday, August 26, 2013.I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the requirements of the course as outlined in this syllabus and Somerset Academy Miramar High School’s curriculum guide as well as the disciplinary and classroom expectations. My child and I also understand that plagiarism (cheating) is a serious matter and if my child cheats in any way as stated in the syllabus, he/she will receive a zero for that specific assignment and a detention to be served the next Wednesday after the incident.Class Period __________________________________ ________________________________________________Print Student NameStudent’s SignatureDate______________________________ ___________________________________________________Print Parent’s/Guardian’s Name Parent’s/Guardian’s SignatureDatePARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATIONPlease print legiblyParent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________Home Phone _____________________________________Work Phone ______________________________________Cell Phone ________________________________________E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________ ................
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